Characters
Who is the pearl diver and main character who finds the great pearl?
Who is Kino
What important object does Kino find that changes his family’s life?
Kino finds a very large, valuable pearl (the “Pearl of the World”)
What does the pearl mainly symbolize in the story?
The pearl symbolizes wealth, hope, and the destructive power of greed.
Define “pearl diver” in the context of the story.
A person who dives to collect pearls from oysters in the sea.
Who wrote The Pearl?
John Steinbeck
What is the name of Kino’s wife who cares for their son and hopes for a better future?
Who is Juana?
Why do Kino and Juana go to the town after finding the pearl?
To sell the pearl, seek help, and use the money for Coyotito’s future (education)
Identify one theme about wealth or greed shown in the book.
Greed corrupts people / Wealth brings danger
What does “indigenous” mean and how might it apply to Kino and his community?
Belonging to the original inhabitants of a region; Kino and his people are indigenous to their coastal village.
Where (geographic region) does the story take place—describe the community setting briefly.
A small coastal fishing village on the Gulf of California (a Mexican coastal village).
Who is the baby that Kino and Juana want to help by using the pearl’s money?
Coyotito
What violent event happens that shows the dangers the pearl brings to Kino’s family?
Attacks/attempted thefts and eventually violence leading to deaths (e.g., trackers, the killing of Coyotito at the end).
How does Steinbeck show the idea of fate versus free will through Kino’s choices?
Kino’s attempts to control his fate (selling the pearl, defending his family) conflict with forces (society, greed) that shape outcomes
Define “avarice” and give an example from the novel.
Extreme greed for wealth; example: those who try to cheat Kino or attack him for the pearl.
Around what time period or cultural context does the story feel set
Early to mid-1900s / colonial-era Latin American coastal context
Which character is the local doctor who first refuses to treat Coyotito because they are poor?
The doctor
Describe the sequence that leads Kino to decide to leave the village with his family.
After repeated threats and violence, Kino decides to flee to escape danger and seek a buyer in the capital.
Explain how the scorpion incident at the start of the book sets up later events and themes
The scorpion sting shows vulnerability and the beginning of misfortune; it also sets the motivation to find a cure and the desire for a better life.
What is the meaning of “subjugation” and how is it demonstrated in the interactions between the villagers and the colonial authorities or wealthy figures?
Bringing someone or a group under control or domination; shown by the doctor’s and priest’s authority and by colonial social structures.
Describe how the sea functions as part of the setting and how it affects the characters’ livelihoods.
The sea provides Kino’s livelihood as a pearl diver and represents both life/nourishment and danger/opportunity; it is central to the plot (source of the pearl and final resting place).
Name the priest’s role in the story and explain how he reacts when he learns Kino has found the pearl.
The priest; he initially acts supportive and seeks to influence how the pearl’s money is used, showing interest in church needs and social control
How does the novel end with the pearl and Coyotito?
Kino throws the pearl back into the sea; Coyotito is dead.
Discuss how the townspeople’s reactions to the pearl reveal social or moral ideas.
Townspeople and leaders (doctor, priest, pearl buyers) act to protect their own power or profit; their reactions show exploitation and hypocrisy.
Explain the term “allegory” and argue whether The Pearl can be read as an allegory (give one supporting detail).
A story that uses characters and events to represent larger ideas; The Pearl can be read as an allegory because characters and events stand for ideas about greed, innocence, and social injustice (example: the pearl representing both hope and corruption).
Explain how Steinbeck’s writing style (simple language, use of parable-like structure) contributes to the story’s impact on readers.
Steinbeck’s simple, direct prose and parable-like structure make the story feel timeless and allow moral ideas to come through clearly